Faith and Freedom Summit II April 2 at the European Parliament

The Faith and Freedom Summit II continues the campaign for the protection of freedom of religion or belief launched June 28, 2018.

Last year’s event brought together high-level thought leaders to highlight where religious freedom is hindered in the European Union, assess areas in need of improvement for the protection of freedom of religion or belief, and outline policies toward a greater respect of religious diversity in Europe.

In planning Summit II, organizers believe that with the 2019 European elections in sight, freedom of religion or belief is an important topic in the EU.

“We, as others, are committed to freedom of religion or belief and believe that the EU should have more involvement than only tackling these issues in its external relations, as it is the case nowadays,” states the group in announcing Summit II. “The scope of the EU Special Envoy for Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief is outside the European Union. If we want to have a legitimate influence outside of EU borders in the field of freedom of religion, we must be beyond reproach within our borders. Unfortunately, this is not the case today.”

They hold that EU citizens must enjoy freedom of religion or belief at every level—that this fundamental right is not given the importance it deserves by EU institutions and EU instruments established to protect the freedom of EU citizens.

From its beginnings, the Church of Scientology has recognized that freedom of religion is a fundamental human right. In a world where conflicts are often traceable to intolerance of others’ religious beliefs and practices, the Church has, for more than 50 years, made the preservation of religious liberty an overriding concern.

The Church publishes this blog to help create a better understanding of the freedom of religion and belief and provide news on religious freedom and issues affecting this freedom around the world.